Organic farming-myths and realities

Many of my friends are blogging post on organic farming—a subject which I held in the core of my heart. I do advocate organic farming for selected hi-value crops. However, I thought it necessary to break the myths and realities surrounding organic farming. Here I go…..

Popular opinion of better quality of the organically produced food than conventionally produced food has so far not been scientifically proven. It is logical also since plant, whether supplied through organic or inorganic sources, will take up nutrients in inorganic forms only by the root system. However, keeping quality of organically produced food was reported higher than that of conventionally grown foods in many research papers.

Nutrient management through organic farming has its another obstacle: Organic sources being bulky in nature with less nutrient concentration and scarce in availability in required amount limits its possible adoption

A gestation period of at least three years is required for conversion of inorganic to organic farming with concomitant decline in crop productivity. The extent of decline mainly depends on the prevalent farming systems. The decline is more in high yielding and high nutrient drawing cereals as compared to legumes and vegetables. Also decline is more in irrigated agriculture as compared to rainfed/dryland agriculture.

Organic plant protection from pests, diseases and weeds although achieved to some extent but still we have to go a long way to control all of them organically limiting the realization of full potential of crop productivity. This may prove damaging to food security particularly for underdeveloped economy.

Another great obstacle for adoption of organic farming is complex procedure of certification of organic produce. It’s difficult for small farmers (the major chunk of underdeveloped economies).

Hence, in my opinion, organic farming may be advocated in a cluster mode with certain selected hi-value crops and not for general agriculture keeping in view the food security concerns. . Integrated nutrient management is better option which can harness the synergy of organic and inorganic sources.